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.He made a mental note to call in a drive-by for one of his deputies as soon as he could."Close the inside door," he said once they were on the porch."Then get in the backseat."Racy did what she was told.The rock music blared to life again as he hurried down the steps in an awkward backward motion.The urge to bust up their little party burned in his gut, but he knew there'd be plenty of other chances.He slid the dog onto the backseat next to Racy, ordered her to put her seat belt on and then jumped in the driver's seat.The snow had slowed a bit, but the winds had picked up.He put the Jeep into gear and headed back the way they'd come.He grabbed his cell phone from his pocket and pressed speed dial."Hey, Kali…it's Gage," he said, when the veterinarian at the other end offered a sleepy hello."Sorry to wake you, but I've got an emergency.I'm on my way to your place with a golden retriever, age…""Eight months," Racy whispered from the backseat."Eight months," he repeated, "that's been fed alcohol, beer most likely.Don't know how much or even how long ago.He got sick and passed out just a few moments ago.""Tell her it's Jack.I had him in for a checkup last week."Gage relayed the information and promised to get to her clinic as soon as he could.Ending the call, he pulled out onto the main road, glad to see the snowplows and salt trucks had made a pass on this stretch of highway.He looked in his rearview mirror, but all he saw was snow-covered windows.A quick glance over his shoulder found Racy bent at the waist, caressing the dog's matted coat and murmuring softly to him, much like a mother would do to a sick child.Gage focused back on the road."Kali said it didn't hurt the dog to get sick.I'm guessing it cleared out his stomach.""But he's not waking up and the alcohol is still swimming in his system," Racy said."God only knows how much they gave him.""When did you head to work this afternoon?""Gina and I left around four."Gage tightened his grip on the steering wheel, his knuckles turning white.His anger flared to life again.He glared into the mirror."Just how long have those bastards been around?"Racy's head shot up.Her eyes were lost in the shadows, but he could see the hard line of her mouth."Those bastards are my brothers.And they must've showed up after we left.""And broke into your house."She raised her chin."I left the place unlocked."Gage believed her claim about not knowing her brothers had been released—her response had been too genuine.But instinct told him she was covering for them now.What he didn't understand was why.Her lie sat like a rock in his gut.Maybe because one of the things he'd always admired about Racy was her honesty.She never held back the truth about anything.Even when she'd told him their amazing night in Vegas had been a mistake.He eyed the digital readout from the dashboard clock.2:33 a.m.Five months ago today, to the minute, he'd actually married this woman.Happy freaking anniversary.* * *For richer or for poorer…Whose fingers were trembling? Hers or his? He winked and squeezed her hand.Okay, they were hers.In good times and bad…What bad times? It had been all good…all night long.And they hadn't even gotten to the suite yet.She hoped it had a hot tub.To love and to cherish…Oh, no, getting teary eyed.Concentrate on Preacher Elvis's sequined bell-bottoms.From this day forward until death do us part…His job was dangerous.He always carried a weapon.He had one on him right now.She'd felt it pressed against her when he'd pulled her into a deep kiss during the taxi ride here.Not that Destiny was a thriving hotbed of crime, her family not included.Still, his father had died in the line of duty.I now pronounce you man and wife…"Racy."He whispered her name as he lowered his head."Racy."He said it again just before his lips swept over hers—* * *"Hey, Sleeping Beauty.Wake up."Racy's eyes flew open.A wave of cold air smacked her in the face.She jerked upright in her seat and pushed her hair out of her eyes.Oh, yuck.Her heart clenched.Jack.She and her beautiful golden had found each other just after she'd returned from Vegas.He was the most sweet and loyal male in her life ever.Now he was at the vet clinic with an IV, being kept for observation.Kali Watson had reassured her Jack would be okay, but she wanted to monitor him overnight, even after he'd finally awakened.Racy had nodded in agreement and every last ounce of her energy had departed
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